UEW Art Students Unveil ‘Vessel of Knowledge’ Water Fountain Monument

The monument, titled “Vessel of Knowledge,” was unveiled on Thursday, 3rd September, 2026, as a demonstration of how ceramic art can extend beyond conventional pottery to functional public and environmental art.

The 2026 cohort of Level 400 Ceramic students undertook the project under the supervision of Dr. Daniel Ato Adubah and Mr. Henry Okai Aryeetey.

Speaking at the unveiling, Dr. Kwame Kyere Diabour, the Head of the Department of Art Education, said the project formed part of the Department’s effort to repurpose practical studio courses to produce works that benefit the University and the wider Winneba community.

He explained that unlike the traditional approach where students often undertook individual studio research that ended with the completion of academic requirements, the Department now encourages collaborative projects addressing practical needs and contributing to the University’s environment.

Dr. Diabour said the fountain demonstrated the value of bringing students together to combine their creative abilities towards a common goal. He added that similar projects would be pursued to benefit students, the Department, the University and the country.

Presenting the concept behind the work, Pastor Alfred Wirekoh, a member of the project team, said “Vessel of Knowledge” was conceived as more than a functional water installation. He described it as a physical expression of the students’ core competencies and the role of Art Education within the University community.  He said water, as a component of clay, symbolised life, continuity and knowledge, with the fountain representing the continuous flow of knowledge from one generation to another.

According to him, the project combined artistic expression with functionality through the application of ceramic forming techniques and conventional building materials including blocks, sand, cement and water. The project used ceramic rustic tiles as the principal surface and finishing material to give the structure its distinctive ceramic identity.

Pastor Wirekoh noted that the project demonstrated the application of ceramics to architectural and environmental design, particularly through interdisciplinary and functional public art.

A quarter section of the UEW school logo incorporated into the design, he explained, symbolised the Department’s integral contribution to the identity, development and vision of UEW.

Prof. Emmanuel Obed Acquah, the Dean of the School of Creative Arts, commended the students for transforming their creative ideas into a functional structure. He described the monument as a representation of innovation, creativity and enterprise.

Prof. Acquah said the achievement demonstrated what students could accomplish when provided with opportunities, resources and institutional support. He encouraged the Department to pursue more ambitious creative projects across the University.

Dr. Adubah, the project supervisor, expressed pride in the students, noting that what began as a small idea at the beginning of the semester had developed into a major collaborative project. He acknowledged the challenges encountered during the project and commended colleagues and others who contributed ideas and support towards its completion.

Prof. Osuanyi Quarcoo Essel, the Vice-Dean of the School of Creative Arts, also said the project affirmed the creative potential of UEW students when given the necessary opportunities, resources, materials and tools. He expressed confidence that the training provided by the University would enable the students to excel in their respective fields and contribute positively to the reputation of UEW.

The monument, through its combination of functionality, symbolism and ceramic artistry, stands as a visible demonstration of the Department of Art Education’s commitment to transforming practical academic work into meaningful contributions to the University environment.